Conor McGregor, the former UFC champion now vying for Ireland’s presidency, has thrown his weight behind a bold new initiative: establishing a national Bitcoin reserve. Announced on May 9 on his social media platform, McGregor’s vision aligns with his campaign theme of empowering the Irish populace through financial sovereignty. This ambitious plan is set to be discussed in more detail in an upcoming X Spaces session, where McGregor has invited leading figures from the crypto community to contribute their insights.
The Bitcoin Reserve Vision
The concept of a Bitcoin reserve isn’t novel, but its adoption by a political figure like McGregor certainly is. His declaration that “Crypto in its origin was founded to give power back to the people” resonates with many in the decentralized finance world, who see cryptocurrency as a means to wrest control from centralized financial institutions. McGregor’s plan, however, faces significant hurdles—not least of which is the challenge of implementing such a policy from the platform of an independent presidential candidate. This echoes the challenges faced in other regions, such as when the Arizona Governor called crypto an ‘Untested Investment’ and vetoed a Bitcoin Reserve Bill.
In a move that underscores the strategic importance of his proposal, McGregor reached out to Anthony Pompliano, a notable Bitcoin advocate, and David Bailey, a former crypto advisor to Donald Trump, to discuss potential collaboration. “We need the greatest minds for this BTC Reserve. Message me and let’s chat on my space,” McGregor tweeted, signaling his intent to leverage expert opinion in this venture.
Political Landscape and Challenges
Ireland’s next presidential election, slated for November 2025, is heating up. McGregor’s candidacy, announced in late March, has been marked by a mix of populist rhetoric and controversial stances, particularly his anti-immigration policies. Despite his stardom and recent political activities, including a high-profile meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, McGregor’s campaign is not without its challenges.
His push for a Bitcoin reserve comes on the heels of a personal and professional setback: a recent civil case conviction for sexual assault, which he is appealing, and a failed venture in the crypto space. The McGregor-backed REAL project floundered last month, raising less than half of its $1 million target during a presale. This setback, however, doesn’t appear to have dampened McGregor’s enthusiasm for cryptocurrency as a tool for economic empowerment.
The Path Forward: Potential and Pitfalls
The establishment of a Bitcoin reserve by any nation requires navigating complex regulatory landscapes and economic considerations. While countries like El Salvador and Bhutan have taken steps in this direction, Ireland would be charting new territory, especially under the leadership of a non-establishment figure like McGregor. “An Irish Bitcoin strategic reserve will give power to the people’s money,” he asserts, yet the practicality of this vision remains to be seen. For insights into how other entities are approaching Bitcoin reserves, see Metaplanet’s strategy to grow its Bitcoin reserve.
In the world of cryptocurrency, where volatility is the norm and regulatory frameworks are still evolving, McGregor’s plan raises several questions. Can an independent candidate effectively marshal the resources and expertise needed to create a national Bitcoin reserve? And how would such a reserve interact with Ireland’s existing financial systems?
The coming months will be telling. As McGregor prepares for his X Spaces discussion, the eyes of both the crypto community and the political arena will be on him. His ability to galvanize support and address the multifaceted challenges of his proposal could determine whether this ambitious vision is realized or remains a campaign talking point.
Ultimately, McGregor’s foray into politics and his embrace of cryptocurrency reflect a broader global trend: the increasing intersection of digital assets and political discourse. Whether his Bitcoin reserve plan gains traction or not, it underscores the growing relevance of cryptocurrency in national and international policy discussions. The journey ahead is unclear, but one thing is certain—it’s going to be an interesting ride.
Source
This article is based on: Ex-UFC champ Conor McGregor touts Irish Bitcoin reserve in presidential bid
Further Reading
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
